Mass Shooting Survival Guide

[reposted: By Mark, SurvivalCache-com]

It seems that the term “Active Shooter” is now a common and unfortunate term in our society.  Madmen and terrorists have taken advantage of our open and trusting society, twisting our 2nd amendment rights for their perverted intent on causing murder and mayhem with mass shootings.  Where will this lead our society?  Now more than ever, law abiding citizens need to stay vigilant and be prepared to protect themselves and their families.

The four things you must consider in an Active Shooter scenario:

1.  GET OUT!!!

Keep your Situational Awareness (SA) and find an exit – Try not to draw attention to yourself.  Don’t move to an exit where the shooter is focused on.  Look for a window, door, primary and alternate, tertiary routes out.  If you are with someone you know, take charge!!!  Lead them away from the danger.

Leave everything behind – purse, groceries, bags, etc – those items can be replaced

When you exit – keep your hands clearly visible and up:  You do not want to be confused as a threat if Law Enforcement (LE) is already on scene

*Note: If you are a conceal carry weapons permit holder, I feel you have a duty to your fellow man to engage an active shooter assailant.  A good example of this is the Trolley Square shooting.  Keep in mind, you will more than likely be facing a long gun with larger capacity magazines.  Depending on the situation, the element of surprise is more than likely on your side.  Adequate cover and well aimed shots are a must in this situation.

2.  HIDE OUT!!!

Hide out of view – behind cover.  Cover is something that will stop a bullet, concealment is something that will hide you, but not necessarily stop a bullet.  A large oak tree is cover, leafy bushes are concealment.  Many people confuse these two, do your best to get behind good cover.  Unlike TV, a table, filing cabinet, chair, or bookshelf will more than likely not completely stop a bullet if at all.

Block entry to your hiding place – barricade, lock, obstacle the door, nook and cranny where you are hiding

Stay in your hiding place and wait for Law Enforcement to arrive – contact the authorities if you can, stay as quiet as possible.  Once again, try not to draw attention to your position

3.   TAKE ACTION!!!

Last Resort when in Danger – this is obviously a last resort.  Many of us are not Law Enforcement, but you might have access to something to throw, distract, or rush the active shooter using a blind corner or concealment.

Stop the Threat – if you act, do your best to take out the threat.  Once again, try to do it from a position of cover or at least concealment.

Act with Aggression – throw items (salt and pepper shakers, ketchup bottles, tables, chairs, rocks, etc…) act decisively!!!  Fortune favors the bold.  If you are a CCW permit holder, you should know what to do.

4.  ACTIVE SHOOTER HAS BEEN STOPPED, NOW WHAT?

Secure the Active shooters weapon and your weapon – you don’t want to be seen as the Active Shooter by Law Enforcement.  Beware of your environment, there maybe more than one shooter (Columbine High School Shooting).

Raise your hands – When Law Enforcement arrives, you don’t want to create confusion.

Remain Calm

Avoid making quick movements – don’t be a perceived threat to Law Enforcement when you exit and/or they enter the scene.

Keep your hands clearly visible and follow instructions

These are recommendations that are taught by many Law Enforcement agencies, Department of Homeland Security, the military, and many CCW courses.  Remember many of us are not Law Enforcement or Vigilantes.  Secure yourself, your family and loved ones by first GETTING OUT, or HIDING OUT, and only as a Last Resort – TAKE OUT the Active Shooter.

Stay vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times, plan for the worst, and stay survival fit – body and mind!!!